Free Resources

Branch-Specific IDES & PDES Guides

Written by Attorney John B. Gately — free, downloadable guides for service members navigating the disability evaluation process in their branch of service.

These guides are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact Attorney Gately for a free consultation about your specific situation.

Army

Army PEB Guide

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigating the Army Integrated Disability Evaluation System — from the MEB referral through final disposition. Covers NARSUM preparation, VA examinations, PEB hearings, and appeal rights.

What this guide covers

  • Army MEB/IDES process overview
  • NARSUM and medical documentation strategy
  • Formal PEB hearing preparation
  • Appeal rights and reconsideration

2026 Edition · PDF

Download PDFFull Guide
Navy / USMC

Navy & Marine Corps PEB Guide

A detailed guide for Navy and Marine Corps service members facing the IDES process. Covers the unique procedural requirements of Navy and Marine Corps MEB/PEB proceedings, VA coordination, and strategies for maximizing your disability rating.

What this guide covers

  • Navy & Marine Corps MEB referral process
  • VA examination coordination
  • PEB informal and formal procedures
  • Separation vs. retirement thresholds

2026 Edition · PDF

Download PDFFull Guide
AF / USSF

Air Force & Space Force PEB Guide

A practical guide for Air Force and Space Force members navigating the IDES. Covers the Air Force MEB process, DAWG referrals, VA coordination, and strategies for challenging unfavorable PEB findings.

What this guide covers

  • Air Force & Space Force MEB process
  • VA rating coordination
  • Formal PEB procedures and strategy
  • Retirement vs. separation options

2026 Edition · PDF

Download PDFFull Guide
Coast Guard

Coast Guard PEB Guide

A practical guide for Coast Guard members navigating the Physical Disability Evaluation System. Covers the unique PDES procedures of the Coast Guard, medical board referrals, VA coordination, and strategies for protecting your disability rating and retirement eligibility.

What this guide covers

  • Coast Guard PDES process overview
  • Medical board referral and fitness determinations
  • VA examination coordination
  • Formal board procedures and strategy
  • Separation vs. retirement options

2026 Edition · PDF

Download PDFFull Guide

Questions about your case?

These guides are a starting point — but every IDES case is different. Attorney Gately offers free consultations for service members and veterans nationwide.

757-481-0772Schedule a Free Consultation

John B. Gately

Attorney & Counselor at Law

2332 Croix Drive

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attorney Gately Phone: 757-481-0772

Ms. Winkelman Phone: 948-227-7688

Fax: 757-481-9629

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Worldwide Representation

John B. Gately Attorney & Counselor at Law is located in Virginia Beach, VA and represents current and former service members worldwide — in all branches of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and other uniformed services — through the MEB/PEB process, TDRL reviews, and military records corrections.

Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

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